Project Management - Case Histories
PR Media Launch
Creating Hope I Love Life, Milwaukee, WI

Challenge
  • C.H.I.L.L. was founded to provide positive outlets in liberal arts, music, and sports for children caught in the foster care system.

  • Having secured many favorable approbations, C.H.I.L.L. had yet to make a name for itself in the community.
C.H.I.L.L needed to grab the attention of the media and the wider community with a PR event that would speak directly to its mission and put it on the map.

Action
  • C.H.I.L.L. was able to spin a positive message in reaction to a communal tragedy.

  • Began process of partnering with other nonprofits in the city.
  • Established methodology for creating and following up on events.
Results
  • Created "real-time" event, drawing PR from local TV and radio stations.

  • Established brand awareness in the public mind.

Programming & New Markets
Aish Hatorah Los Angeles, LA, CA

Challenge
  • Previous 5-7 years had seen little or no growth in membership; singles were avoiding Aish LA in droves.

  • Key donors were frustrated with the lack of results and warned that significant funding cuts were likely.
Aish LA needed to revitalize its programming, clarify its target market and reverse the "aging trend" of the congregation.

Action
  • Created new divisions for singles, young families & college markets.

  • Developed educational trips, drawing 500+ students.
  • Lowered average age of membership by 2.7 years.

  • Produced events featuring key figures in politics and Jewish community.
Results
  • Membership grew from 450 to 4,500.

  • Yearly attendance up from 700 to 7,000.

  • Yearly events up from 10 to over 100.

Nonprofit Launch
On this We Agree, Los Angeles, CA

Challenge
  • This is a classic tale of finding the Big Idea - and no plan on how to get it out there.

  • Executive Director realized it was possible to create a movement toward green energy - endorsed by both Left and Right.
ON THIS WE AGREE needed to grab the attention of Hollywood elites. This would give it credibility to solicit additional funding.

Action
  • Developed "pitch" based on "script treatment" format.

  • Immediate "concept recognition" drew interest of high-profile, highly connected Hollywood figures.
Results
  • Gained support of national political action committee.

  • Concept used by candidates for 2008 election campaign.
Founding of New Community
Kern County Educational Center, Kern County, CA

Challenge
  • Isolated in Central California, 2 observant Jews dreamed of creating an active, vibrant community in their area.

  • Estimates showed 5,000 to 25,000 Jews within a 40-minute drive, yet no active efforts had been taken to reach them.
This plan needed an inexpensive "community-in-a-box" format to jump start activities and create a viable educational center.

Action
  • Provided planning and logistic leadership to turn their vision into reality.

  • Created turn-key programming managed website, developed consistent follow-up system.
Results
  • Membership grew from 5 people to over 150 people.

  • Laid groundwork for building campaign.
Banquet Sponsorship Gift
Aish Hatorah Los Angeles, LA, CA

Challenge
  • With their 25th Anniversary banquet approaching, Aish LA needed a creative, educational and elegant gift for attendees.

  • A woman in the community had wanted to create a packet explaining blessings over food, but had no idea how to move forward in practical terms.
This idea needed a project manager to create the gift and explore fundraising opportunities that it could provide.

Action
  • Created elegantly designed Banquet Sponsorship opportunity.

  • Coordinated with international design team and packaging companies.

  • Produced gift that could be re-issued for other events and fundraisers in the future.
Results
  • Project raised $30,000.
Neighborhood Association Launch
Auer Community, Milwaukee, WI

Challenge
  • Group of volunteers had been "stuck in planning stages" for months, unable to move forward on creating a viable community association.

  • Limited funds meant that everything had to be done on shoe-string budget.
Auer community needed to create a "splash event" that would let residents city officials know they were "on the map."

Action
  • Organized low-budget marketing campaign that drew 7% response - twice industry standard.

  • Secured support from city officials.

  • Created action-committees on neighborhood safety, branding and stable housing.
Results
  • Meet-and-greet event attracted over 100 attendees.

  • Secured grant to renovate local baseball field as launch project.